I remember the first time I went there,” recalls soul/ funk pioneer Teena Marie of her earliest engagement with New Orleans. “All I could think was, ‘Why does it feel like I’ve been here before?’ Something in the air felt—I was connected to the air, and the people, the food. Everything. And I didn’t know [...]
Tag Archives: Congo Square
Congo Square Poster Unveiled
February 24, 2010 – 10:38 am
Earlier, Jazz Fest revealed this year’s poster, a portrait of Louis Prima by singer Tony Bennett. Now, they’ve released the image of Terrance Osborne’s Congo Square poster – a tribute to Uncle Lionel Batiste. Here’s a first look: Comments?
Teena Marie, Congo Square (Stax)
August 1, 2009 – 12:01 am
Ahhh, the return of Lady T, “Honey” if you want her “Southern name,” Mary Christine Brockert if you want the (snore) legal one. Documentary proof that someone (I didn’t say anyone) can turn herself black given enough passion, Ms. Marie devotes some of this third comeback album to exploring her roots in New Orleans. More [...]
Jazz Fest, Day Seven
May 4, 2009 – 9:30 am
Last day, and Jonathan Batiste starts it with admirable nerve with a melodian solo. The air-powered instrument only has a two-octave, making the piece a rather tight meditation on a simple phrase. In a white blazer, white dress shirt and black high-water slacks, he’s a striking presence onstage and offers up an audience-friendly notion [...]
Letters June 1993
June 1, 1993 – 12:01 am
NON-TOURIST NEEDS OFFBEAT Picked up an issue of OffBeat (May ’93) while in New Orleans for the Jazz Fest. Not only did I fall in love with your enchanting city, but OffBeat gave me insightful info on all the best to see and do while I was there. I pride myself in being a “non-tourist” [...]
Blues Traveler: Just Passing Through
June 1, 1993 – 12:01 am
John Popper and the rest of Blues Traveler, the New York-based gang of jam-happy road warriors that he fronts, are tied to Louisiana well beyond the obvious. The band’s set at the ’92 Jazz & Heritage Festival was a Fest highlight, and the Traveler’s numerous marathon gigs at Tipitina’s and elsewhere jive with the city’s [...]
Down in Congo Square
May 1, 1993 – 12:01 am
Smiley Ricks needed to find a place for Indian practice. The Dr. John percussionist, brass band veteran and Big Chief of the Wild Renegade Hunters had gotten into something like a “family squabble” with another chief one recent Sunday, and was searching the Treme neighborhood for a new stomping ground. Where he landed was perhaps [...]
The Roots of Jazz, Part One
June 1, 1989 – 12:01 am
New Orleans is internationally famous as the birthplace of jazz. From jazz’s birth at the turn of the century to its diverse manifestations in contemporary times, our congressionally-declared “national treasure” is recognized worldwide as America’s most distinctive contribution to world culture. But although literally million of people can recognize it when they hear it, few [...]
